Oxybutynin topical gel

July 17, 2018

Oxybutynin topical gel

What is this medicine?

OXYBUTYNIN (ox i BYOO ti nin) is used to treat overactive bladder. This medicine reduces the amount of bathroom visits. It may also help to control wetting accidents.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use on the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying. Apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin on the abdomen, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Rub gel gently into the skin until it dries. When you apply the gel, use a new area of skin every day. Do not bathe, swim, exercise or get the area wet for 1 hour after applying the gel. If you are applying sunscreen, do so 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after applying this medicine. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the area has dried. Allow the area to dry before putting on clothing. Do not use more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • agitation

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • fever

  • flushing (reddening of the skin)

  • hallucinations

  • memory loss

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • palpitations

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • headache

  • mild irritation at site of application

  • sexual difficulties (impotence)

What may interact with this medicine?

  • antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

  • atropine

  • certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

  • certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

  • clarithromycin

  • erythromycin

  • ipratropium

  • medicines for fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and humidity. Do not open gel packet until you are ready to use it. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • autonomic neuropathy

  • dementia

  • difficulty passing urine

  • glaucoma

  • intestinal obstruction

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • Parkinson's disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to oxybutynin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take a few weeks to notice the full benefit from this medicine.

You may need to limit your intake of tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol. These drinks may make your symptoms worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eyecare professional if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Avoid extreme heat. This medicine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018